Update 3/5/25: Multiple agencies from around East Tennessee responded to brush fires in Tellico Plains which have burned more than 200 acres.
Despite the rainfall, evacuation orders remain until roads are deemed safe enough to pass.
The Knoxville Fire Department has sent a crew to assist with the brush fire.
EMA officials say that people from 70 homes were evacuated.
The following areas are under evacuation orders:
- Roberts Lane (Coker Creek)
- Old Furnance Road (Coker Creek)
- Area of Holder Cemetery (Coker Creek)
- Rafter Road area, extending to Center Presbyterian Church
- Smokey Run Road
Additionally, Highway 360 is shut down.
Due to the evacuations, the gymnasium at Tellico Plains High School was evacuation center and offered overnight accommodations.
Donations are also being accepted at the Tellico Plains Community Center.
Original Story: Tellico Plains, TN (WOKI) UPDATE 4:00 p.m.: Emergency Management officials in Monroe County say more than a dozen homes are threatened as a wildfire near Tellico Plains grows to 100 acres.
EMA officials say the fire is 0% contained and has prompted evacuation orders for Rafter Road, Lake Heights Road, Highway 360 and Smokey Run Road to Center Presbyterian Church. Highway 360 is also currently shut down.
The gymnasium at Tellico Plains High School is being used as an evacuation center and will offer overnight accommodations. Additionally, donations are being accepted at the Tellico Plains Community Center.
Monroe County EMA says 14 structures have been threatened, but none have been impacted. No injuries have been reported.
Monroe County 911 says anyone who needs help from the Red Cross can call 423-807-6988.
ORIGINAL STORY: Several agencies are responding to a large brush fire near Tellico Plains.
Officials with the Tennessee Division of Forestry say the fire broke out near Rafter Road and Hwy 360/Unicoi Turnpike.
The agency’s fire map shows the brush fire to be 50 acres in size and was 0% contained as of 1:00 p.m.
Officials say the fire had jumped some ridges and prompted them to call in a helicopter and two planes to drop water.
The fire comes as many counties, including Knox County, are under burn bans due to continued low relative humidity and high winds.
